Asheville Schools Closed Indefinitely Amid Hurricane Helene Recovery
Asheville, known for its vibrant community and stunning mountain views, is currently facing a tough time as it recovers from the recent onslaught of Hurricane Helene. After the storm wreaked havoc on the area, many local school districts, including Asheville City Schools, A-B Tech, and Polk County Schools, have made the difficult decision to close indefinitely.
School Closures Affecting Local Families
In light of the storm damage, various districts have decided to keep schools closed for the rest of the week. The announcement has sent waves of concern through the community as parents and students adapt to this new reality. “My heart is broken taking in the devastation of our beloved city and surrounding communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene,” expressed Dr. Maggie Fehrman, the Superintendent of Asheville City Schools. She emphasized the importance of resilience and the community’s collective spirit during such challenging times.
Ongoing Assessment and Community Impact
Fortunately, damage to school facilities has been kept to a minimum. However, the profound lack of water across the city, affecting all Asheville City Schools campuses, poses a significant barrier to reopening. “We need to plan for a prolonged period without water,” Dr. Fehrman mentioned after discussions with city officials. The barriers don’t stop there; transport for students and staff remains a significant challenge due to flooded or blocked roads.
“While we discussed the possibility of remote learning, ongoing power and internet outages make that virtually impossible at this time,” she added. The focus is on safely reopening schools, and regular updates will be provided as circumstances evolve.
Gratitude for Community Support
Dr. Fehrman didn’t hesitate to shine a light on the dedication of staff, first responders, and the maintenance team working around the clock to assess and tackle the aftermath of the storm. “Our facilities, like the field at Asheville High School, have become vital in transporting individuals in medical emergencies. Plus, we’ve been able to donate food from our schools to feed our brave first responders,” she noted.
In partnership with local officials, Asheville City Schools is working on recovery efforts, making sure assistance is available to those in need. “If you’re looking for ways to help, keep an eye on ACS and your school’s social media for opportunities to contribute,” Dr. Fehrman advised.
Other Districts Join in the Efforts
As evidenced by the collaboration with local emergency services, Buncombe County Schools have also shut down for the entire week, stating, “Based on the tremendous impacts to our families and neighborhoods, the decision has been made to close all Buncombe County Schools from September 30 to October 4.” Teachers and staff are working tirelessly to support families during this tough time.
Schools in other regions like Macon County, Jackson County, and Yancey County have followed suit, closing their doors to ensure the well-being of their students, staff, and families. Meal distributions and other support services are being generously offered to those who need them.
Universities Take Precautions
Nearby, A-B Tech and UNC Asheville are also evaluating their situations. While A-B Tech remains closed indefinitely, UNC Asheville is operating under a closure condition, emphasizing the need for safe relocation for any students who remained on campus. They encourage everyone to stay tuned for updates as crews work to restore essential services like power, running water, and internet connectivity.
Moving Forward Together
The challenges presented by Hurricane Helene are daunting, but the willingness to support one another shines through in the Asheville community. As recovery efforts unfold, families are encouraged to take care of themselves and each other. The true spirit of the Asheville community is its ability to come together during trying times, and there’s a strong sense that, together, we will weather this storm and emerge stronger than before.
